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| Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today | Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today |
| (7 days later) | |
| This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. | This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. |
| The number of new cases is growing faster than ever worldwide. | The number of new cases is growing faster than ever worldwide. |
| Nearly 1.9 million Americans filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week. | Nearly 1.9 million Americans filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week. |
| The Congressional Budget Office says extending more generous jobless aid would help the economy this year, but could hurt the economy next year. | The Congressional Budget Office says extending more generous jobless aid would help the economy this year, but could hurt the economy next year. |
| Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas. | Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas. |
| Since the outbreak began, one question has left public health experts and scientists puzzled: Why does the virus provoke only mild symptoms in some people, while severely sickening others? | Since the outbreak began, one question has left public health experts and scientists puzzled: Why does the virus provoke only mild symptoms in some people, while severely sickening others? |
| We think we know some of the factors. A person’s age has been shown to play a role, along with underlying conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Smoking may have a hand in the severity of an infection, too. | We think we know some of the factors. A person’s age has been shown to play a role, along with underlying conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Smoking may have a hand in the severity of an infection, too. |
| A new study lends further clues. | A new study lends further clues. |
| European geneticists sequenced the genomes of infected patients in Italy and Spain who required an oxygen supply or a ventilator, to look for genetic traits that the patients shared. | European geneticists sequenced the genomes of infected patients in Italy and Spain who required an oxygen supply or a ventilator, to look for genetic traits that the patients shared. |
| They found two commonalities. One is a person’s blood type. Patients with Type A blood had a 50 percent greater chance that they would need oxygen or a ventilator. | They found two commonalities. One is a person’s blood type. Patients with Type A blood had a 50 percent greater chance that they would need oxygen or a ventilator. |
| The second factor showed an even stronger link to Covid-19, but it’s still a mystery. That’s because the spot in the genome that scientists homed in on has six genes, and they’re not sure which, exactly, is influencing the course of the virus. | The second factor showed an even stronger link to Covid-19, but it’s still a mystery. That’s because the spot in the genome that scientists homed in on has six genes, and they’re not sure which, exactly, is influencing the course of the virus. |
| Another head-scratcher is why blood type might play a role in a Covid-19 infection. One idea is that the location on the genome where blood type is determined also contains a stretch of DNA that can trigger strong immune responses. It’s possible that genetic variations may lead to an overreaction in the immune system, causing extensive inflammation and lung damage. | Another head-scratcher is why blood type might play a role in a Covid-19 infection. One idea is that the location on the genome where blood type is determined also contains a stretch of DNA that can trigger strong immune responses. It’s possible that genetic variations may lead to an overreaction in the immune system, causing extensive inflammation and lung damage. |
| Poverty as an underlying condition: The Times’ Opinion section found that conditions like kidney disease and diabetes are much more prevalent among the lowest income earners in the United States — potentially making Covid-19 more deadly among the poor. | Poverty as an underlying condition: The Times’ Opinion section found that conditions like kidney disease and diabetes are much more prevalent among the lowest income earners in the United States — potentially making Covid-19 more deadly among the poor. |
| The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription. | The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription. |
| Even while doctors battle Covid-19, many are worried about another looming global public health threat: antimicrobial resistance. | Even while doctors battle Covid-19, many are worried about another looming global public health threat: antimicrobial resistance. |
| Some 700,000 people die each year because medicines that once cured their conditions are no longer effective. As the pipeline for new drugs runs dry, health experts are warning that the same government inaction that allowed the coronavirus to spread worldwide could lead to an even deadlier epidemic of drug-resistant infections. | Some 700,000 people die each year because medicines that once cured their conditions are no longer effective. As the pipeline for new drugs runs dry, health experts are warning that the same government inaction that allowed the coronavirus to spread worldwide could lead to an even deadlier epidemic of drug-resistant infections. |
| Our colleague Andrew Jacobs, who covers health and science, writes that the problem comes down to economics: It costs billions to develop a new drug, but pharmaceutical companies haven’t yet figured out a way to profit off them. | Our colleague Andrew Jacobs, who covers health and science, writes that the problem comes down to economics: It costs billions to develop a new drug, but pharmaceutical companies haven’t yet figured out a way to profit off them. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| While the pandemic ebbs in some of the countries that were hit hard early on, the global case count is growing faster than ever. Here are a few places suffering particularly bad outbreaks right now. | While the pandemic ebbs in some of the countries that were hit hard early on, the global case count is growing faster than ever. Here are a few places suffering particularly bad outbreaks right now. |
| The death toll in Brazil passed 30,000 on Tuesday, when officials reported 1,262 deaths, the nation’s highest one-day total. President Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly minimized the threat, said, “We are sorry for all the dead, but that’s everyone’s destiny.” | The death toll in Brazil passed 30,000 on Tuesday, when officials reported 1,262 deaths, the nation’s highest one-day total. President Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly minimized the threat, said, “We are sorry for all the dead, but that’s everyone’s destiny.” |
| Peru has more than 170,000 confirmed cases, despite imposing one of the earliest national lockdowns in South America. Though the official virus death toll stands at around 5,000, Peru reported 14,000 more deaths than usual in May, suggesting many people are dying at home. | Peru has more than 170,000 confirmed cases, despite imposing one of the earliest national lockdowns in South America. Though the official virus death toll stands at around 5,000, Peru reported 14,000 more deaths than usual in May, suggesting many people are dying at home. |
| For months, Egypt seemed to avoid the worst of the pandemic. But recently the number of cases there has risen significantly, reaching 27,536 on Tuesday. | For months, Egypt seemed to avoid the worst of the pandemic. But recently the number of cases there has risen significantly, reaching 27,536 on Tuesday. |
| Bangladesh now has 55,000 known cases, and its troubles were compounded last month by a cyclone that tore through communities under lockdown. | Bangladesh now has 55,000 known cases, and its troubles were compounded last month by a cyclone that tore through communities under lockdown. |
| The Lancet has retracted a controversial study that concluded hydroxychloroquine was ineffective for Covid-19 patients over questions about its data, though subsequent, more transparent studies have had similar findings. | The Lancet has retracted a controversial study that concluded hydroxychloroquine was ineffective for Covid-19 patients over questions about its data, though subsequent, more transparent studies have had similar findings. |
| The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told lawmakers that the country needs up to 100,000 contact tracers. | The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told lawmakers that the country needs up to 100,000 contact tracers. |
| Workers across the U.S. are being told to return to their workplaces. Many who refuse for fear of the virus are losing their jobs, and thousands more are being reported to the state to have their unemployment benefits cut off. | Workers across the U.S. are being told to return to their workplaces. Many who refuse for fear of the virus are losing their jobs, and thousands more are being reported to the state to have their unemployment benefits cut off. |
| The Trump administration released new requirements for states to report coronavirus data based on race, ethnicity, age and sex of individuals tested for the virus, in an effort to respond to demands from lawmakers for a better picture of the pandemic. | The Trump administration released new requirements for states to report coronavirus data based on race, ethnicity, age and sex of individuals tested for the virus, in an effort to respond to demands from lawmakers for a better picture of the pandemic. |
| George Floyd, whose death has sparked nationwide protests, had the virus weeks before he was killed, an autopsy report showed. | George Floyd, whose death has sparked nationwide protests, had the virus weeks before he was killed, an autopsy report showed. |
| Despite the pandemic, some protesters are being held for more than a day in crowded jail cells, some without masks. | Despite the pandemic, some protesters are being held for more than a day in crowded jail cells, some without masks. |
| I have taken up a new hobby: painting little pictures and inspirational words on rocks and then leaving them around the neighborhood and in local parks for others to find. | I have taken up a new hobby: painting little pictures and inspirational words on rocks and then leaving them around the neighborhood and in local parks for others to find. |
| — Cynthia Casani, Cedar Grove, N.J. | — Cynthia Casani, Cedar Grove, N.J. |
| Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. | Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. |
| Sign up here to get the briefing by email. | Sign up here to get the briefing by email. |
| Melina Delkic and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed reporting. | Melina Delkic and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed reporting. |